Barcelona boss Quique Setien expresses his desires for the current campaign.
Spanish coach, Quique Setien, reveals his ambitions ahead of the much-awaited La Liga return as Barcelona lurk just two-points ahead of Real Madrid.
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Barca returns to action on June 13 as they face Mallorca in their first League fixture since the shutdown. The squad is preparing rigorously to maintain their two-point lead over arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
Recently, Los Blancos forward Lucas Vasquez had revealed coach Zinadine Zidane’s plans for the remaining 11 La Liga fixtures, claiming to come out strongly and go undefeated all the way. Zidane’s XI really need to continue with this mentality as they are currently second on the table having lost their last match 2-1, before the lockdown, against Real Betis.
Unsurprisingly, Barca have a similar plan as Setien reveals that the new league rule allowing 5 substitutes per match will require Barca to prepare more in order to remain in good condition for the remaining fixtures.
"“The team is doing well with the work we’ve been doing. we would have needed an extra week to really be in good condition. All the players have a lot of enthusiasm and are very motivated to play. [The stoppage] has been good because the players get tired. It’s been different from other years in their careers.” Setien said.Source Sport"
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic would surely affect the player’s mentally especially considering most of the matches, if not all, will be played behind closed doors. Players must quickly adapt to the changing environment in order to succeed, with the teams that adapt quickest finding the most success.
Barca are known to have a questionable mentality as evident in their major Champions League defeats against Roma and Liverpool but Setien remains optimistic.
"“Normally in pre-season you play games, rotate and now will be different. We’ll see how the games are and each player’s situation, each one is different. We have to win all the games. We’re in a good mental state and we’ll see how the games go and the difficulties opponents pose us.” He continued"
Setien believes that fans will play a big part in the squad’s success as always with hopes of providing entertaining matches in return.
"“The stimulus and support of the public have a great influence. We’ll try and bring joy to the fans.”"
Will Barca be crowned the La Liga champions this season?